How Andoni Iraola is Reshaping Liverpool's Attack After Mohamed Salah's Departure

With Mohamed Salah no longer at the club, Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola is revamping the team's offense by focusing the main goal threat on new signing Bradley Barcola, who will operate from the left side. This marks a major tactical shift as the Reds move away from their previous formation centered around Salah.

Adjusting to Life Without an Anfield Legend

It has been just over two months since Salah left Liverpool, and the team is still adapting. Iraola’s approach involves a fresh attacking setup rather than seeking a direct replacement for Salah on the right flank.

The club invested heavily in Barcola, making him one of their costliest signings. The French forward joined from Paris Saint-Germain after netting 13 goals and providing seven assists last season. Although right-footed, Barcola excels when cutting inside from the left, effectively reversing the role once held by Salah.

Finding Solutions for the Right Wing

Since Barcola dominates the left side, Liverpool face a challenge on the opposite wing. The squad currently has four left wingers but lacks natural right wingers following the summer transfer window's closure.

• Rio Ngumoha, a teenage prospect, struggled on the right against Newcastle.
• Cody Gakpo showed slightly better form against Nottingham Forest but still hasn’t fully settled on that side.

Iraola thinks Víctor Munoz, a recent addition, might be the solution. Despite mostly playing on the left in his career, Munoz has arguably performed even better on the right.

"Víctor has played more games on the left but maybe has been even better on the right," Iraola said before Liverpool’s Premier League game against Ipswich Town.

Backing Ngumoha's Development

Though Munoz looks ready to fill the role immediately, Iraola remains committed to nurturing young players like Ngumoha on the right wing. He believes Ngumoha will improve with experience despite a rocky start.

"We know Rio can play on the left and showed his qualities. He needs to develop on the right to have more options. He is very young. Just because he wasn’t incredible in the first game on the right doesn’t mean he won’t play there again," Iraola explained.

Preparing the Attack Around Alexander Isak

Liverpool will test this evolving system in their upcoming Premier League match against Ipswich Town. Iraola needs to quickly find the right balance to keep the attack sharp. A more traditional right winger could help striker Alexander Isak thrive. The Swedish forward is a strong presence in the penalty box and needs precise, direct service to maximize his scoring chances.

Cody Gakpo remains an important player despite transfer interest from clubs like Manchester City and Tottenham. He will continue fighting for playing time as Liverpool explore this new tactical chapter.

• Premier League Match: Ipswich Town vs Liverpool
• Date & Time: 4 September 2026, 21:00